How does one build skills to be a successful software entrepreneur?

Question

I'm a mid-to-senior level SDET, and I currently have no managerial experience (although I hope to pick some up in about 5 years). At some point in the distant future (say, 10–15 years from now), I'd like to start my own tech startup.

Due to a number of personal commitments, I can't really spend my free time planning for this, which is why it's more of a long-term goal, for when I have more time, flexibility, and financial stability.

How does one build skills to be a successful software entrepreneur? What types of education programs should I be looking into?

Answer 1

There's a chance your local University has a program that caters to (potential) entrepreneurs, possibly through an incubator program. You should check for courses on this. I'm pretty sure my local government also offers an entrepreneur training program there should be something similar from yours too.

Nice skills to have:

• Market analysis: how big is the market? How much market share can you target? How to reach potential customers?
• Competitive intelligence: who is your competition? What are possible product replacements that might drive you out of the market?
• Fundamentals of accounting
• Fundamentals of business and IP law

I don't think you need a University degree for those. But you can look for free courses and read books. Might help you a bit when you start. Nothing substitutes practical experience, though.

But since you're planning to do this on a 10-15 years time frame, you can probably read most things ever written on those subjects. I don't like this (waiting that much) maybe because I'm young and stupid :) Like Keynes once said: in the long run, we are all dead. Do not postpone it too much.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Start implementing your ideas. Throw things together and put it out there.

You don't need money. Just put time in on the weekends/evenings.

Learn from each project you try and you'll get better at it.

I'd try this before getting a degree.

Answer 3

Learn how to create software and learn about a domain. Focus on learning about those who buy and use software in that area and what their problems are. Unless you can't do any development on your own, I don't see how cost would be a factor. Of course time would be, but if you spend and hour a day, 10-15 years from now it should add up to being able to create and market a single app. You're no worse off than your current approach.

Certainly there are things your husband would like to have time to do. You can take turns. That's why they call it 'taking' time.

Answer 4

You should find a business partner. Someone who brings something different to the table. For example I have no programming experience, though I have manage to create successful startups. I bring marketing, leadership, creativity, direction, sales, and all other things not related to web design or programming to the table. You should find someone like that who can handle all the other work, therefore you don't have to stress out about anything not dealing with programming. Most startups have 2-3 partners. One of them are like me, another is a programmer, and the last (optional) is the designer.

Put together your ideas. Think it out, will it become profitable, how long will it take to grow a fan base, etc etc. Then start working on it. You don't need to devote 5 hours a day. I have a family too so I understand what you're going through. There's 24 hours in a day and I know you can at least spend 1 hour programming at home, or maybe just go to the library and do it there so there are no distractions. If you can devote 1hr a day of programming to your idea you would be surprised at how fast it will come along. Anything is better than nothing. Don't let excuses hold you back.